4X4 Evolution (also known as 4X4EVO, codenamed Metal Crush 3) is a video game developed by Terminal Reality for the Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, PlayStation 2 and Dreamcast platforms. It is one of the first console games to have cross-platform online play where Dreamcast, Macintosh and PC versions of the game appear online at the same time. The game can use maps created by users to download onto a hard drive, and surprisingly a Dreamcast VMU. All games are similar in quality and gameplay although the online systems feature a mode to customize the players' own truck and use it online. This game is still able to play online with all but the Sony PlayStation 2 systems.

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Gameplay

Gameplay features off-road racing of over 70 licensed truck manufacturers. Modes featured in the game were a Career Mode, Online Mode, Map editor and versus mode. The career mode is the most important part of the game to feature a way to buy better trucks similar to the Gran Turismo series. The Career mode also gives you 6 purpose built race vehicles: Chevrolet TrailBlaizer Race SUV 2WD, Dodge Dakota Race Truck 4WD, Ford F-150 Race Truck 2WD, Mitsubishi Pajero Rally 4WD, Nissan Xterra Race SUV 4WD, and the Toyota Tundra Race Truck 2WD. They cost anywhere from $350,000 up to $850,000. These are the fastest vehicles in the game. Recently KC Vale acquired permission from Terminal Reality Incorporated to upload the game to his web server however the original vehicles have been removed due to an expired license.

Reception

GameSpot said for the PC version, "While 4x4 Evolution opts for fun over realism, it's a trade-off that you'll probably appreciate as soon as you take the game for a spin." 4x4 Evolution also got a score of 8.4 by GameSpot. IGN said for the PlayStation 2 version, "GOD's first PS2 racer, despite improvements from the Dreamcast version, still misses the mark." 4x4 Evolution also got a score of 5.0 by IGN.

Sequel

4X4 EVO 2 has been later released on Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, Xbox, and GameCube and the PlayStation 2 . It features larger maps, denser terrain, and players can drive anywhere.